Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Open or closed cell spray on foam insulation

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA
ffmike
04-07-05, 08:10 PM
What or the advantages / disadvantages to open & closed cell foam insulatiuon? Which one performs better? I know the closed cell has a R rating of 7 / inch, and the open cell 3.5 / inch. What should I expect to pay per square ft.? Is it worth the added $ ?

spanky
05-19-05, 08:29 AM
Closed cell tends to be stiffer, more likely to crack away from the framing as house shifts. Is it likely? I don't know. If it does it creates an air pocket that can let air into the wall/ ceiling cavity. Closed cell will be more flexible, while it might trap moisture it can dry out, but it is a vapor barrier as well.

What I have heard is closed cell below grade (basements) and open cell above grade (every where else)

Alan